As I watched this clip for the fourth time today, I still got goosebumps. I even welled up a bit and may have dropped a few tears. There is something so universally beautiful about this. The humble confidence in her comment: “I’m gonna make that audience rock!” The ache in my heart about her never being kissed in her 47 years. Her regained composure after momentarily blanking out at Simon’s question. The crescendo of approval and applause that bubbled forth from the audience. I loved all of it.
She mentioned how she always wanted to perform in front of a large audience. Perhaps we have heard others say this, and we have labeled them as self-centered or egotistical. But with Susan, I feel a tremendous sense of healthy pride that she is good enough and able to do such a thing. It is what she has rehearsed in her mind over and over again, creating an extremely vivid picture for her. One that is full of emotion.
It’s fantastic (to use her word) to vicariously experience her triumph over a judgemental world (and audience). Al Bandura talks about how we go through our successes to quickly and too lightly. Here’s to hoping that she spends plenty of time reveling in the joy that she gives to others with her performance and her personality.
